Dictionary

a watched pot never boils en · X

Etymology

Refers to the psychological effect of apparent time dilation when closely observing a process (pot being heated) while waiting for it to reach a final state (boiling).

Meanings

1. A process appears to proceed more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.

Forms

Relateds

time flies when you're having fun

Synonyms

watched toast never burns · a watched kettle never boils

Translations (10)

it il desiderio rende lunga l'attesa (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · es quien espera, desespera (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · fi odottavan aika on pitkä (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · pl czekającemu czas się dłuży (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · cmn 心急吃不了熱豆腐 /心急吃不了热豆腐 (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · scn pignata taliata nun vugghi mai (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · it se guardi l'acqua non bolle mai (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · ru когда́ ждёшь, вре́мя тя́нется (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · hu figyelt fazék sosem forr (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it) · fr s'inquiéter ne fait pas avancer les choses (a process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it)